Installing AMD CPU on Intel 440BX motherboard

[paultempleman]

I have an Intel 450mhz CPU running on an Intel 440BX motherboard. It works ok but it's showing its age with the newer applications. I would like to upgrade my PC, but with all the accessories and enhancements I have introduced it does seem a waste of money. I have just upgraded the RAM to 384 MB and I have a 32 MB graphics card etc etc.

Looking at the choice of processors, it seems to me that $ per ghz the AMD processors are out there on their own. Can I fix one of these to an Intel motherboard (sorry if this is a silly question, but I am a bit of a newbie on the hardware side)? If I can, are there any issues/limitations? Any advice very welcome.

[Mal]

I'm almost sure you can't.

[Nighthawk]

I'm completely sure you can't.

One main reason is that the bus speeds are different. While an Athlon may look like it has a 100mhz FSB, that's actually double-pumped (a DDR bus).

Add in that Slot A and Slot 1, while they look the same, are COMPLETELY incompatible (mmm... blue smoke...), plus the lack of a slocket for Socket A->Slot A, and there's no way it'll work.

AMD motherboards are quite cheap nowdays, and you can probably get a deal on an SDR model so you can use your current RAM and everything.

[DanU]

When I wanted to upgrade my Abit BX6r2 + Cel450 with an AMD Duron, I purchased a CPU adapter called the Abit KT7. Oh wait... the KT7 is an entirely new mobo :)

Seriously... there's just no way you can hack a BX mobo to work with an AMD CPU. Aside from the bus speed issues that Nighthawk pointed out, the BX uses intel's GTL (or was it GTL+?) bus to communicate with the CPU while AMD uses the Digital (or Compaq? or HP?) EV6 bus.

There was some talk of being able to use Digital Alpha CPUs in Athlon mobos... but I guess that ability never materialized.

[Mr.Goodbytes]

I'm gonna have to say impossible on that one as well. The last time AMD and Intel shared the same socket was the Socket7/Super Socket7 platform. So I'd say start shopping for a new motherboard too, but if you want to keep the same case, make sure it'll fit of course, and that your Power Supply can handle the juice requirements of Athlons.

[ragtop]

You can pick up an inexpensive motherboard (such as the ECS K7VZA for around $60) plus an AMD Duron or Athlon, and still be paying less than an Intel processor with similar performance. Your current RAM may work (unless you have PC100, and want to install one of the new 266 fsb Athlons), your video card will work, etc.

As previously stated, you may need a power supply upgrade too, but overall, still a fairly economical upgrade path.

Also- you might be able to find someone willing to pay a few $$ for your old Intel stuff on the "User to User Priduct Exchange" forum, that would lower your overall cost even further.

[gyoung]

Positive that you can't run an AMD CPU on an Intel 440BX motherboard.

ragtop,

I'm moving to Milwaukee next year. Any suggestions on places to live?

[paultempleman]

Thanks to all

I think I'll bite the bullet and pay the extra for an Intel chip, very begrudgingly. The hassle factor of installing a new motherboard, maybe a new power supply, uncertainty about compatibility of some of the other stuff - well I think I'll just pay the money.

Why is life never simple?

[DAD988]

If you have the original SE440BX MB, it will run a 450 PII or a 450PIII (with the proper BIOS upgrade), and nothing higher. Not sure about the SE440BX2. You will have to check the Intel site.

[ragtop]

gyoung:
Just about any place outside the city is pretty decent. Where you look is going to be highly dependent upon your budget and what type of housing you're looking for (apartment, condo, single family home........). Pretty much the same as any other city I guess.

Personally, I prefer the western and norther suburban areas.